OREGON CITY -- State highway officials are warning that an upcoming bridge replacement project likely will spread a web of traffic gridlock and long delays across the metropolitan area's southeastern flank.

Starting 8 p.m. March 22, Oregon 213 will be closed between Washington Street and Interstate 205 for four days while crews install a new bridge. The highway is scheduled to reopen by 4 a.m. March 27.

All traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, will be directed to detours and alternate routes marked by signs.

Oregon Department of Transportation officials are predicting that the closure and detours will trigger long delays on adjacent roads, including I-205, Oregon 99E and local streets in Oregon City, which likely will be jammed to capacity.

Roadside reader-board signs will encourage motorists to stay on Interstate 5 to avoid adding to the congestion.